At the invitation of the Chief of Defence of the Republic of Lithuania, NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Europe Admiral James Stavridis arrived to Lithuania with the formal visit and met with the Minister of the National Defence Rasa Juknevičienė, and the Chief of Defence of the Republic of Lithuania Major General Arvydas Pocius. The guest also met the President of the Republic of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė.
During the working meeting with the Minister of National Defence R. Juknevičienė it was discussed about the need for continuation of the NATO air policing mission over the Baltic States, need and possibility to increase NATO visibility in the Alliance member states. It was also talked about international operations, placing particular emphasis on the mission in Afghanistan.
The minister stressed that the NATO air policing mission over the Baltic States reflects solidarity of the Alliance members and contributes to the strengthening of NATO visibility in the region. As Allies ensure patrolling over the air space of the three Baltic States, Lithuania can more significantly contribute to the NATO-led international operations. The minister also urged NATO to use transit facilities to Afghanistan via Lithuania.
Admiral J. Stavridis assured that NATO particularly valued the contribution of Lithuania in international operation in Afghanistan. He also considered the NATO air policing mission over the Baltic States as very successful. Admiral J. Stavridis expressed interest in the suggestion to use transit through Lithuania in provision of multinational forces in Afghanistan.
In the meeting with the Chief of Defence of the Republic of Lithuania Major General A. Pocius, NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Europe assured that NATO’s approach to Lithuania is the most serious, while Lithuania’s contribution to NATO operations in a very well regarded.
Admiral J.Stavridis expressed gratitude to the Lithuanian Armed Forces for brave mission conduct in Afghanistan, for the excellent job of Provincial Reconstruction Team (Ghor province) and southern Afghanistan, training of Afghanistan security forces. He also stressed that training of Afghanistan security forces is the most important operational priority.
According to the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, the highest priority for the alliance is NATO’s Article 5, which is a security guarantee of 28 NATO members.
Admiral J.Stavridis said, that Lithuanian people should be very proud of soldiers who serve in Afghanistan, other NATO operations and are part of NATO Rapid Reaction Force," – said Admiral J. Stavridis.
Chief of Defenec of the Republic of Lithuania Major General A. Pocius stressed that the input of Lithuanian military to NATO operations will continue to be significant, he also spoke of developments in Afghanistan Ghor province, and the upcoming year exercises with NATO countries.
"We see this visit as NATO’s support and assistance to Lithuania’s participation in the Alliance operations, and concern for our country as a responsible NATO member" – in his presentation said Major General Arvydas Pocius.
Lithuanian Chief of Defence acknowledged that the International Security Assistance Force operation in Afghanistan remains a priority and said: "The current phase is an investment in strengthening the Afghanistan security forces – in the nearest future in the province of Ghor police training and liaison team will be established. Given the security situation in Afghanistan, police training needs are the basic training, patrol, activities in check points – soldiers have a greater military expertise on these issues, so we have to use it. „
Major General A. Pocius said that Lithuania and NATO have to train its troops in the Baltic region, as if it was necessary to defend himself, soldiers must be prepared specifically for this region. According to the Chief of Defence, already in 2011 multinational exercises "Amber Hope", "Baltic Host", "Sabre Strike" will be held, forces of Baltic States and other NATO countries will participate in these exercise, and these exercises will provide an excellent opportunities for NATO troops to jointly prepare for the defence of the region.
During social program Major General A. Pocius called Admiral J. Stavridis and the accompanying delegation to visit the tower of Gediminas Castle, Museum of Genocide Victims and the Seimas of Lithuania.
The office of the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe is in the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, Shape in Mons, Belgium. Supreme Allied Commander Europe is NATO strategic commander in Europe (one of two NATO strategic commanders). Supreme Allied Commander, Europe is in charge of military planning, he is also responsible for capability generation process, NATO military operations planning, preparation and execution, is in command of forces which are assigned by states, as well as provides recommendations to NATO political and military command on various military issues.
This is already the third visit of the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe in Lithuania – the first visits were in 2005 and 2007. Admiral J. Stavridis, the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe visits Lithuania for the first time.
Spokesman of the Chief of Defence of the Republic of Lithuania Captain Tomas Balkus, tel.: (8 ~ 5) 278 5091, mob. tel.: 8 682 25 359
